chime: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral
Quick answer
What does “chime” mean?
A clear ringing sound made by a bell or a set of bells.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A clear ringing sound made by a bell or a set of bells; a melodious, resonant ringing.
To make or cause to make such a sound; to be in agreement or accord; to interject or participate in a conversation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The verb 'chime' (to ring) is slightly more common in UK descriptions of church bells. The phrasal verb 'chime in' is equally used.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries pleasant, musical, or harmonious connotations. In UK contexts, it may be more immediately associated with traditional clock towers or doorbells.
Frequency
Comparatively equal frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “chime” in a Sentence
The bells chimed (intransitive).The clock chimed midnight (transitive, object = time).His views chimed with public opinion (intransitive + 'with').She chimed in with a suggestion (phrasal verb 'chime in').Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chime” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The grandfather clock chimed seven.
- Her proposal didn't quite chime with the committee's priorities.
- 'That's a great idea,' he chimed in from the corner.
American English
- The town hall bell chimed on the hour.
- Your analysis chimes perfectly with the data we collected.
- Feel free to chime in if you have something to add.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The new strategy chimes with our core values.'
Academic
Used to describe alignment of theories or data: 'The findings chime with earlier studies.'
Everyday
Describing sounds: 'I heard the door chime.' Also 'She chimed in with her opinion.'
Technical
In horology (clock-making): 'The quarter-hour chime mechanism.' In acoustics: 'The resonant chime of the alloy.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chime”
- Incorrect: 'His idea chimed to the plan.' Correct: '...chimed *with* the plan.'
- Incorrect: 'The clock chimed *at* twelve o'clock.' (Less common) Correct: '...chimed twelve.'
- Overusing 'chime' for any metallic sound; it implies a clear, musical tone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its core meaning relates to bells, it's widely used for any similar clear, resonant sound (e.g., a door chime, wind chime) and metaphorically for agreement ('chime with').
'Chime' suggests a melodic series of notes. 'Ring' is general for any clear, resonant sound. 'Toll' typically refers to the slow, single strikes of a bell, often for a death or solemn event.
It is informal. It means to interject in a conversation, often with agreement or a related point.
Yes. As a noun: 'the chime of the clock'. As a verb: 'the clock chimed', 'their views chimed'.
A clear ringing sound made by a bell or a set of bells.
Chime: in British English it is pronounced /tʃaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chime in”
- “chime with something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHIME' as a CLOCK's HARMONIOUS MELODY Every hour.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEMENT IS HARMONY / SOUNDING TOGETHER. (e.g., 'Our ideas chime.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely meaning of 'chime' in this business context: 'The market report chimed with our internal projections.'?